Almost a quarter-century has passed since my initial cruise experience, a time when family responsibilities and work demands had yet to consume my daily life. The idea of my cruise comeback entailed lounging on deck, under the sun, enjoying cocktails in a child-free environment for a week.
Accompanied by my friend Paul, a cruise novice, we chose to embark on a seven-day journey aboard the P&O Cruises vessel Azura, navigating through the Canary Islands and Madeira. The allure of escaping the gloomy weather of Northern England to bask in winter sunshine on this Tenerife-started voyage, including stops at Madeira, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote before returning to Tenerife, was irresistible.
Approaching the departure date and reviewing available excursions, we understood that our trip would focus more on exploring the volcanic islands and vibrant towns rather than pure relaxation. Proper planning, we discovered, significantly enhances the cruise experience. Here are five recommended activities to explore while cruising around the Canary Islands and Madeira.
We embarked on a bus tour through the park, immersing ourselves in the striking landscape crafted by molten lava rock. Ascending and descending winding roads, we ventured through the lava to a visitor center. There, we handled samples of the fiery rock, observed steam geysers shooting into the sky, and marveled at the BBQ area where chickens are cooked.
Azura’s gym boasts a comprehensive selection of cardio equipment and weights. Following a brief workout, guests can enjoy a leisurely dip in the exclusive adults-only pool.
Indoors, the spa features multiple treatment rooms alongside a steam and sauna facility. Opting for a deep tissue massage proved to be truly therapeutic.
The spa also houses a relaxation lounge, with an upstairs area offering private sun loungers and seating for unwinding—a perfect way to relax after island exploration.
For booking information, prices for the Spain, Portugal & Canary Islands cruise (N617) starting at £1,299 per person for a 14-night voyage from Southampton on July 18 aboard Ventura, based on double occupancy in an interior cabin, can be found on pocruises.com.
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